20 most popular handguns in Alabama

Here is a list of the 20 most popular handguns in Alabama. This is how the list was created. We had some ties in past years so I increased the list from 15 to 20 guns this year. I think it gives a more diverse list adding 5 more guns. The list is strictly sales based and includes any firearm that is classified as a handgun.

We polled several gun stores in Alabama and asked what handguns their customers were buying. Each store ranked the handguns from 1-20 by sales. The scores for the guns were totaled, and the low score became the No. 1 handgun. If a handgun didn't appear on a particular store's list, that gun received a 21 score on that store's list. Can you guess which handgun is the most popular handgun in Alabama?

To see how this list has changed over the years, check out these links:

The Sig Sauer P938 is a very popular conceal carry handgun is very similar to the P238. Chambered in 9mm, this pistol is small, light and very accurate. The controls are similar to the 1911 but in a much smaller package. The P938 weighs in at 16 ounces and is just over one inch wide.

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20. Sig Sauer P938

The barrel length is three inches and overall length is just 5.9 inches. The hammer fired P938 offers a six round magazine and sells for between $500-$750 depending on the model and embellishments. Optional magazines are available that hold more rounds of ammo.

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Joe Songer | jsonger@al.com

19. Glock 30S

Built on the G30 SF frame, the G30S combines the full capacity .45 AUTO round count with a slimmer slide. This is a subcompact handgun that is perfect for concealed carry. Although the Glock G30S is a small handgun it has a 10 round magazine capacity.

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Joe Songer | jsonger@al.com

19. Glock 30S

The barrel length of the G30S is 3.77 inches and weighs a mere 30.36 ounces fully loaded. It features Glock's "safety action trigger" with a trigger pull weight of 5.5 pounds. I found this locally for between $500-$569.

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18. Smith & Wesson SD9 VE

The Smith & Wesson SD9 VE is a polymer over steel semi-automatic striker fired handgun with an impressive 16+1 capacity chambered in 9x19 mm. It features the Self Defense Trigger for optimal, consistent pull from first round to last. The SD9 VE offers a picatinny-style rail for mounting lasers and flashlights and dovetailed 3 dot sights. Maybe the most impressive feature is the price. I found it for between $275-$300 with the S&W lifetime warranty. 20 Most Popular Handguns in Alabama.

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17. 1911

The 1911 pistol has been one of the most popular handguns since its introduction in 1911. The original design by John M. Browning has changed very little over 100 years. This handgun was the official sidearm for the U.S. military from the early 1900's until the mid 1980's. Now it is chambered in many calibers although the most popular is the original .45 ACP. You can buy 1911 pistol for as little as $400. But the sky is the limit for a fully custom pistol.

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16. FNX-45 Tactical

The FNX-45 Tactical pistol chambered in.45 ACP is gun manufacturer FN's entry in the U.S. Joint Combat Pistol Program. It is a full frame handgun with a 5.4 inch barrel created for heavy military service use. The frame of the gun is of polymer construction with replaceable steel frame/slide. It offers four interchangeable backstraps with lanyard eyelets.

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16. FNX-45 Tactical

Operation is double action/single action with a capacity of 10 or 15 rounds depending on the magazine used. Trigger pull is adjustable from just under 4 pounds to 12 pounds. Unloaded it weighs 33.3 ounces. I found this handgun locally for between $1,100-1,200. This handgun is also available in .40 caliber.

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15. Kimber Micro-9

The Kimber Micro 9 chambered in 9x19 mm is a very capable subcompact semi-automatic pistol based on the legendary 1911 platform. Kimber has been building 1911 handguns for years and are considered some of the finest in the world for the money. The Micro 9 shrinks the entire platform into a very well built concealed carry gun.

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15. Kimber Micro-9

It weighs in at just over 15 ounces with an empty magazine. It comes with a standard 6 round magazine and a 7 round extended magazine is available. The 7 round extended magazine allows for a better grip for folks with larger hands. All of the controls will be in familiar locations for anyone who has fired a 1911. I found Micro 9 locally for between $500-$629.

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14. Smith & Wesson 442 Revolver

The Smith & Wesson 442 revolver, chambered in .38 special +P is a lightweight, snag free handgun that is perfect for concealed carry. The enclosed trigger and rounded edges make it perfect for quick engagements from a pocket, holster or purse. The Model 442 holds 5 rounds in the cylinder, weighs in at 14.7 ounces with an overall length of 6.3 inches. The aluminum alloy frame makes this revolver very light to carry. I found this gun locally priced between $399-$450.

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13. Glock 17

The Glock 17 is the companies full frame offering in 9mm. The polymer frame/ steel slide frame holds 17 rounds of 9x19mm ammo and weighs in at 25.06 ounces unloaded and 32.02 ounces loaded.

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13. Glock 17

Trigger pull is 5.5 pounds and offers the Glock "safety action trigger". The Clock 17 is just over 8 inches long and is 1.18 inches wide. This handgun is a favorite for law enforcement carry use and is one of Glock's most popular pistols. I found the Glock 17 from $489-$600 depending on which generation you choose.

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12. Ruger LCR

Ruger LCR, chambered in .38 SPL+P. This compact revolver has rounded edges that makes it perfect for concealment. It has a 5 round capacity, U-Notch Integral sites and several choices for grips.

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12. Ruger LCR

The Ruger LCR weighs in at just 13.5 ounces. It sells locally around $350-$450 . The LCR is chambered in many calibers but the .38 SPL is the most popular.

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11. Glock 42

The Glock 42 is an ultra compact handgun chambered in.380 Auto. The small frame makes it an excellent choice for conceal carry. As with all Glock pistols, the 42 is extremely dependable and rugged.

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11. Glock 42

The Glock 42 weighs in at an amazingly light 17.29 ounces fully loaded and has a 6+1 round capacity in a single stack magazine. The Glock 42 sells locally for between $389-$450. Size comparison between the Glock 42 (below) and 43 (above).

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10. Ruger LCP

Ruger LCP, chambered in .380 Auto. This subcompact handgun has rounded edges that makes it perfect for concealment. It has a 6+1 capacity, fixed sites and a recessed hammer. It weighs in at just 9.6 ounces.

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10. Ruger LCP

The Ruger LCP sells locally around $200-$240. It comes with or without a laser site and is crafted in many colors and slide engravings. It is probably the most popular pocket carry gun on the planet. It come with one magazine.

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9. Springfield XDs 9mm

The Springfield XDs 9mm offers a handgun with a single stack magazine for a slimmer, more concealable carry. The XDs 9mm weighs in at 23 ounces, offers a 7 round flush magazine and an 8 round extended magazine. It offers an excellent trigger, grip safety and a fiber optic front and rear site. I found it locally for between $450-$500.

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8. Ruger LCPII

The new Ruger LCPII is an improvement over the wildly popular LCP in several areas. The trigger on the LCPII is vastly improved for an internal hammer fired handgun. Many say the new trigger has a "single action" feel. The LCPII, chambered in .380 is a little thicker and taller than the LCP to give it a better feel in larger hands. It also has taller sights than the LCP.

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8. Ruger LCPII

The LCPII weighs in at 10.6 ounces with an overall length of 5.17 inches. It can literally be carried comfortably in your pocket. The polymer handguns offers a capacity of 6+1. I found it priced locally between $300-$395 depending on the model.

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7. Sig Sauer P320

The Sig Sauer P320 is a new striker fired handgun offered in several popular calibers from 9 mm to .45 ACP. The P320 is available in several frame sizes from full size down to subcompact. The full size version has a barrel length of 4.7 inches and an overall length of 8 inches with a width of 1.3 inches.

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7. Sig Sauer P320

The Sig Sauer P320 weighs in at 29.5 ounces. Magazine capacity varies by caliber. All but the subcompact model offers an accessory rail. Prices for the P320 start around $475.00-$550.00

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6. Ruger LC9s

The Ruger LC9s is a new striker fired subcompact semi-automatic handgun that looks very similar to the very popular hammer fired Ruger LC9. The one complaint about the LC9 was a long, heavy double action trigger. The strike in the new LC9s solves all of that.

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6. Ruger LC9s

The LC9s trigger is much shorter and lighter with a nicer break. The LC9s has a 7+1 capacity of 9x19mm ammo and weighs in at a mere 17.2 ounces and a 6 inch overall length, perfect for concealed carry. I found this priced $325-$399.

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5. Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard .380

The Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 380 has become one of the most popular conceal carry pistols. Chambered in .380, it offers. This semi-auto handgun weighs in under 12 ounces and is has an overall length of 5.25 inches.

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5. Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard .380

The Smith & Wesson Bodyguard .380 has a capacity of 6+1 and and 7+1and is offered with or without an integrated laser. It sells locally around $329-$359. Shown with laser (left) and without (right). It is now offered in flat dark color frame color. This one has become extremely popular for concealed carry.

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4. Glock 19

The Glock 19 is a small version of the 17 Chambered in 9mm, this medium framed handgun is little easier to conceal. As with all Glock pistols, the 19 is extremely dependable and rugged.

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4. Glock 19

The Glock 19 weighs just over 30 ounces fully loaded and has a 15 round capacity, although Glock offers many magazine capacity variants. All Glocks offer the "safety action trigger". I found the Glock 19 for between $430-$540 depending on model.

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3. Smith & Wesson 642 Revolver

Smith & Wesson 642 is one of the most popular revolvers ever built. The 642 is chambered in .38 Special. It holds five rounds and has a 1.875 inch barrel with an internal enclosed hammer.

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3. Smith & Wesson 642 Revolver

The Smith & Wesson 642 also comes in several grip colors from pink to teal green. It is a great choice for the purse, bed stand or vehicle glove box and is extremely reliable. Retail price ranges between $425-$469.

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2. Glock 43

The Glock 43 is an ultra compact handgun chambered in 9mm. The small frame makes it an excellent choice for conceal carry. As with all Glock pistols, the 43 is extremely dependable and rugged. As with all Glock's, it featured the "safety action trigger".

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2. Glock 43

The Glock 43 weighs just over 22 ounces fully loaded and has a 6+1 round capacity of 9mm in a single stack magazine. The Glock 43 sells locally for between $439-$469.

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1. Smith & Wesoon M&P Shield 9mm

And the winner is, The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 9mm. This is the most popular handgun purchased by Alabamians. Chambered in 9mm, this compact pistol is less than one inch wide and weighs a mere 19 ounces. It has a 7 round and 8 round magazine and a 3.1 inch barrel. The Shield has a retail price of $449 but I found it frequently between $299-$329 in stores.

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1. Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 9mm

The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield also offers a 2.0 version with a better trigger and a more textured grip for a better purchase on the gun for better control. Both the Shield and Shield 2.0 offer Crimson Trace laser options in both green and red. As with Glock products, the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield offers a myriad of both S&W and third party accessories from magazines to grips and sites.